Graffiti Art:

 
1. Graffiti originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, primarily as a form of rebellious expression. It is often associated with political messages, social commentary, or tagging (writing one’s name).
 
2. Style: Typically characterized by stylized lettering, tags, and often involves spray paint. Graffiti can be spontaneous and is often created quickly.
 
3. Legality: Graffiti is frequently done without permission and can be viewed as vandalism, leading to legal consequences for the artists.
 
4. Cultural Elements: Often ties to urban culture, hip-hop movements, and can be a means of asserting identity within marginalized communities.
 

Street Art:

 
1. Origins: Emerging later and influenced by graffiti, street art encompasses a broader range of artistic styles and techniques, often aiming for social or political commentary.
 
2. Style: Street art can include stencils, posters, murals, and a variety of media, moving beyond just lettering. Artists like Banksy have brought street art into the public eye with intricate and thought-provoking pieces.
 
3. Legality: Street art may be created with or without permission, but there has been a growing acceptance and recognition of street art as a legitimate art form in many communities.
 
4. Cultural Elements:  It often engages with social issues, culture, and public space, intending to provoke thought or dialogue beyond mere decoration or rebellion. In summary, while both street art and graffiti share common ground in urban environments, they differ in intent, style, and cultural implications. Street art tends to be more inclusive and varied in its approach, while graffiti often emphasizes the artist’s name and identity.